Comments / New

Saturday Habs Headlines: “Best game of the series”

In today’s links, comments on Game 6, the opportunity of Game 7, Slafkovský’s work away from the puck, Bolduc a fan of Gallagher, how to improve officiating, other series wrap up, and Maple Leafs denied permission to speak to Julien BriseBois.

Posted on by Justin Blades
May 1, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) stops Montreal Canadiens forward Nick Suzuki (14) during the third period in game six of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell Centre. | Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Montreal Canadiens news and notes

  • “I think both teams played their best game of the series,” Martin St-Louis said following the Game 6 loss. [Journal de Montreal]
  • The loss is also an opportunity for a young team to play its first do-or-die Game 7, St-Louis believes, seeing the long-term benefits of a such a hard-fought series. [RDS]
  • Game 7 will be played at 6 PM EDT in Tampa on Sunday:
  • A watch party will be hosted at the Bell Centre for Game 7. [Canadiens.com]
  • “I try to do everything I can to help the goalie, and if that means blocking a shot, I’ll do it,” Juraj Slafkovský explains as he finds other ways to be effective when the offence isn’t flowing. [La Presse]
  • Zachary Bolduc has been a fan of Brendan Gallagher his whole life, and tries to incorporate some of his current teammate’s game into his own. [Journal de Montreal]
  • How can the NHL improve its officiating? [Montreal Gazette]
  • Nicole Gosling earned her third honour of being named to the PWHL’s team of the month for April. [La Presse]

Around the league and elsewhere

  • The Buffalo Sabres beat the Boston Bruins in Game 6 to advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. [NHL.com]
  • Nikita Zadorov played the series with a torn MCL. [Sportsnet]
  • Mitch Marner scored twice as the Vegas Golden Knights eliminated the Utah Mammoth. [NHL.com]
  • Jon Cooper, Dan Muse, and Lindy Ruff are the Jack Adams finalists. [Sportsnet]
  • Mikko Rantanen was fined $5000 for cross-checking Kirill Kaprizov. [NHL.com]
  • Dylan Holloway signed a five-year contract with the St. Louis Blues. [NHL.com]
  • Logan Stankoven was a big factor in the Carolina Hurricanes’ opening-round sweep. [NHL.com]
  • Connor McDavid called the 2025-26 Edmonton Oilers “an average team.” [Sportsnet]
  • Evgeni Malkin isn’t interested in playing in the KHL, wanting to continue his career in the NHL, whether that’s with the Pittsburgh Penguins or someone else. [NHL.com]
  • The fan who grabbed Cam York’s stick after the Philadelphia Flyers’ defenceman tossed it into the crowd following his series-clinching OT goal returned the memento to York for a signed jersey and a new stick. [NHL.com]
  • D.J. Smith will be a candidate for the Los Angeles Kings’ head coach position. [NHL.com]
  • The Toronto Maple Leafs were denied permission to interview Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois. [Sportsnet]

Support Habs Eyes On The Prize by signing up for Norton 360

LOGIN SIGN UP

Talking Points